Summertime Veggie Plate Dinner | Family Economics

By Tiffany

Fresh garden produce is one of the best things about summer. A wonderful way to use that produce is to make a veggie plate dinner. It highlights the fruits and vegetables that are in season. It’s also quick and easy to make.

Start with potatoes. New potatoes can be bought from a farmer’s market or the grocery store if you aren’t lucky enough to have some in your garden. Boil the cleaned potatoes until they are fork tender. Add butter, salt and chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Steam green beans and season with salt and pepper. I like to keep the seasoning simple to let the flavors of the produce shine through. If you have zucchini and yellow squash, chop them and sauté in a bit of olive oil with a minced clove of garlic.

Corn on the cob is a perfect addition to this meal. Find the freshest corn you can. There are several ways to cook corn on the cob, including grilling. I usually just microwave mine, because it’s so simple. Place the cleaned ears in a microwave safe dish, dot with plenty of butter, cover with wax paper and cook for about 10 minutes. It comes out just as good as boiling the ears, but it’s much easier.

To me, it’s the tomatoes that make this meal complete. Garden fresh tomatoes are essential. I hope you have some growing in your backyard. Some years, we are more successful with growing tomatoes than others. For the veggie meal, I just slice the tomatoes on a plate. You can serve them with salt, if you like, but I prefer them plain.

End your meal with fresh fruit that’s in season. Strawberries, blueberries, or sliced watermelon are all delicious. My favorite is cantaloupe or muskmelon as we call it in Indiana. The best ones come from either Indiana or Georgia. They are large and sweet.

If you’re feeling ambitious you can turn your fresh fruit into a pie or cobbler. Your family will love you for serving homemade blackberry pie or cherry cobbler, or even strawberry shortcake.

What are your favorite summer fruits and veggies and how do you like to prepare them?